During Arsenal's Premier League trophy parade on Sunday, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) rescued approximately 75 people from heights, while police made 16 arrests, emergency services reported.
Celebrations Turn Chaotic
Thousands of Arsenal fans filled the streets around the Emirates Stadium in north London to celebrate the team's Premier League title victory. Supporters climbed trees, rooftops, and traffic lights to catch a glimpse of the players on the open-top bus parade, filling the air with red smoke.
The London Fire Brigade stated that crews rescued about 75 individuals from height-related incidents during the event. They urged fans to avoid climbing onto rooftops as celebrations continued into the evening.
Fire Incident and Pyrotechnics
Firefighters also attended a blaze at a hotel, believed to have been caused by a stray flare. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne of the LFB said, "Fortunately, the fire caused only a small amount of damage to the exterior of the building." Pyrotechnics reportedly triggered fire alarms at several other locations in the area. Goulbourne added, "As supporters head home, we would urge them to avoid using pyrotechnics, particularly at stations, and to keep them away from buildings and other flammable materials."
Arrests and Incidents
The Metropolitan Police reported 16 arrests in the vicinity of the parade as of 9 p.m. on Sunday. Charges included drunk and disorderly behavior, drug offenses, sexual assault, and assaulting emergency workers. Officers responded to a stabbing on Hornsey Road just after 8:30 p.m., with paramedics and an air ambulance attending. A man was taken to hospital for assessment.
More than 500 police officers were deployed to manage the parade. Despite the incidents, Goulbourne described the celebrations as a "fantastic sight," noting that many fans celebrated safely.
Aftermath
As evening fell, north London streets remained crowded with Arsenal supporters. Roads were littered with cans, bottles, collapsed e-bikes, and debris. Crowds continued chanting and singing joyfully as they headed toward Tube stations.
